Chris Slater watches as the Madchester legends are treated as returning heroes at their Christmas homecoming gig

'It's great to be back in the 0161' boomed Bez, maracas in hand, as he teed-up another yet another Mancunian comeback we thought would never happen.

Despite fears his body could not take another spell of freaky dancing, he was on hand in his home to city to welcome his pals and one of our city's most iconic bands, back to the stage.

And it was apt that that the setting for their resurrection was a derelict warehouse in Trafford, with the rain lashing down outside.

As Shaun Ryder sauntered on stage with a mere 'hello' and launched into the opening chimes of 'Hallelujah' it was like they had never been away.

But it was the six people stood next to him that made this so significant. Despite, a comeback of sorts in previous attempted comebacks, this was the first time the original line-up have graced the stage together for more than ten years.

Shaun's brother Paul Ryder on bass was joined by fellow founding fathers of the band, Gary Whelan on drums, Paul Davis on keyboards and Mark Day on guitar.

The appearance of Rowetta dressed in a revealing Santa outfit completed the line-up as well as adding a splash of festive cheer.

“It'sss Chriiistmaaas' said Bez, doing his best Noddy Holder impression. But this was no cabaret performance.

Kinky Afro was next up in a hit laden set list and reminded the packed crowd why Tony Wilson described Ryder as the best poet since W.B. Yates.

Other highlights included God's Cop, Loose Fit and Mad Cyril.

Yes, years of being the kings of rave have taken their toys on the boys, as Shaun proved by declaring his relief that he had a set list to remind what the next songs was.

But he still remembered the lyrics and the sound was spot on, leaving your ears ringing in true Hacienda style.

Those who had dusted off their bucket hats and tracksuits to get their groove on, certainly seemed to appreciate it.

It was like the national anthem was about to be sung as the drum beats of 24 Hour Party People kicked in and people began throwing their shapes.

After the iconic keyboards strains of Step On faded away, fans streamed out into the rain believing it just couldn't get any better.

But the band re-appeared for a rendition of Wrote for Luck, a glorious end to a glorious night.

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